Why You Should Clean Your Grinder

A grinder is a critical tool for any herb enthusiast. Obviously, it ensures the bud is properly ground up, making it easy and convenient to fit into your vape, bong or joint. No smoking room is complete without at least one on hand. However, grinder cleanliness is something that most often overlook or neglect entirely. Therefore, in this post, we'll explore why it's important to clean your grinder, and how you can do it.

Why Should You Clean Your Grinder? 

First and foremost, every time you use your grinder, a little bit of sticky resin lingers on the teeth. This icky stuff that accumulates over time won’t just affect your ability to grind your herbs. In addition, there are many other reasons you should keep your grinder clean.

1. A Dirty Grinder’s Bad For Your Health 

Your herbs are organic matter, just like food. And anything organic can spoil and rot. Over time, bacteria and mold will start to grow on the residue sticking to your grinder. And, since you’re using a grinder to break down herbs that you’ll be smoking, you don't want that bad stuff making its way into your lungs. So, one compelling reason to keep your grinder clean is to eliminate the risk of getting sick.

2. A Clean Grinder’s More Efficient 

Of course, another compelling reason is that clean grinders work better than icky, sticky ones. Basically, when the grinder is full of resin and gunk, it simply can’t do a good job grinding up your buds into smaller pieces. It's the same principle which applies to your bong. Also, you'll find it much harder to physically use the grinder if it’s clogged or jammed. A clean one will grind smoothly, with zero resistance.

3. Cleaning Extends the Lifespan of Your Grinder 

Plant matter, sticky resin, dirt and more can get anywhere. Usually, it clogs the turning mechanism, dulls the teeth, and generally gives it a bad appearance. As a result, you have a less functional grinder that deteriorates much faster. Therefore, to avoid having your device meet a sad, tragic early end, just keep it clean! 

4. How Often Should You Clean Your Grinder? 

Ultimately, this depends on how often you use it. Generally, it’s a good practice to give your grinder a thorough cleaning every month or two. Additionally, throw in a casual routine cleaning here and there to prevent any jamming. 

However, for the more devout, everyday smoker, weekly cleans may be necessary to keep your grinder functioning to optimal levels. 

Parts of a Grinder 

Grinders appear in different designs, shapes and come in several different materials. Basically, most high-quality grinders come with three chambers—one for grinding, one for catching the herb, and a final chamber below a pollen sieve to hold the kief. And some only have two chambers (no kief catcher) and offer simplicity as their primary benefit. 

The teeth inside the grinder, also known as pegs, can take on various shapes in hopes of rendering the material into an optimal shape. There are even more extravagant (and cheap, for that matter) models out there that feature additional chambers and screens, new technology, or top-tier materials. Even some budget grinders come with a section on top where you can store your bud and keep it secure with an included lid.

Taking all this into account, a grinder can consist of several pieces. And for a good cleaning, you need to pay attention to every one of them. Before you start cleaning, make yourself familiar with all these parts and how they fit together.

Conclusion - Toker Supply

As everyone's favorite online headshop, you know we've got you covered when it comes to all your smoking essentials. Grinders are an essential way to make the experience as smooth and enjoyable as you can. Therefore, cleaning it is certainly worthwhile so that you can make sure it remains functional for as long as possible.